MarsCast

In today’s episode, Danny Patterson and Andrew Compton continue discussing the theme of abuse and the church. Today, they’ll be exploring some common forms of abuse that can occur and some warning signs to look out for. So if you’re part of a church community and interested in learning more about recognizing and preventing abuse, I hope you’ll stick around and listen to what these pastors have to...

In today’s episode, we begin a sensitive and challenging topic that has affected many individuals and communities: abuse and the church. Rev. Andrew Compton is joined by Rev. Danny Patterson of Second Parish OPC in Portland, Maine. Rev. Patterson recently taught an interim course at the Seminary on this subject. In this introductory episode, Rev. Compton and Rev. Patterson will explore some of the...

In today's episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach, Professor of Ministerial and Doctrinal Studies, responds to the objection: If God is all-loving and all-powerful, then why aren't all people saved? This objection has been raised by skeptics, agnostics, and even some believers who struggle to reconcile the idea of a loving God with the reality of human suffering and eternal damnation. Here's Dr. Beach to help...

In today’s episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach, Professor of Ministerial and Doctrinal Studies, begins a two-part series on predestination and issues that some objectors to the doctrine take with it: namely, the justice of God and the love of God. Focusing today on justice, Dr. Beach asks and responds: Is it fair that God should elect some to eternal salvation but pass over others to their eternal damnatio...

In today's episode, Dr. Alan Strange delves into the life and legacy of Ambrose of Milan, a prominent bishop and theologian of the early Christian Church. Ambrose's life was marked by remarkable achievements and pivotal moments, including his appointment as bishop of Milan, his role in the conversion of Augustine of Hippo, his efforts to defend the Church against the Arian heresy, and his emphasis...

In today's episode, Dr. Alan Strange delves into the life and teachings of one of the most prominent figures in early Christianity: John Chrysostom. Often referred to as the "Golden Mouth" due to his captivating and powerful preaching, John was the archbishop in the city of Constantinople and a prolific writer of sermons and commentaries on the Bible. Dr. Strange explores Chrysostom's humble begin...

In today's episode, Dr. Alan Strange, Professor of Church History, describes the famous first Council of Constantinople in A.D. 381 that brought a decisive defeat to the threat of Arianism and its warped teachings on the person of Christ.

In today's episode, Dr. Strange returns to his series on the early church to describe the Cappadocian Fathers, a trio of mighty men of God who continued challenging some of the prevailing and erroneous teachings of Arianism, leading to the Council of Constantinople. 

In today's episode, we're excited to have Dr. J. Mark Beach, Professor of systematic theology, dive into divine impassibility, a doctrine that has been a point of contention within Christianity for some time now, with some arguing that it undermines the compassion of God, while others see it as a necessary aspect of God's being.

In today’s episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach, Professor of systematic theology, looks at divine immutability, which pertains to the nature of God's unchanging character, a topic that has important implications for our understanding of God and his relationship with the world.

In today’s episode, Rev. Andrew Compton and Rev. Mark Vander Hart will discuss how Christ is the fulfillment of wisdom, exploring what it means for Christ to be the wisdom of God, and how this concept is understood in Scripture.

In today’s episode, Rev. Andrew Compton joins Rev. Mark Vander Hart for a two-part series on Wisdom and the Proverbs. Today, our Old Testament Professors give us a general introduction to this Wisdom Literature, commenting on the critical importance of why every Christian needs to pay special attention to the book of Scripture.

In today’s episode, Rev. Compton and Dr. Alan Strange conclude their series on the gospel for a post-roe society by responding to the world’s reaction to the repeal of Roe and how the church can continue to be a bastion for life.

In today’s episode, Rev. Compton and Dr. Alan Strange look into what the ancient near east, particularly ancient Israel, thought about abortion and infanticide in general and what legislation was in place to protect the lives of the unborn.

In today’s episode, Rev. Compton and Dr. Strange examine the gospel for a post-Roe society, taking some time now to explore what Scripture says about abortion.

In today’s episode, Rev. Andrew Compton and Dr. Alan Strange reflect on a critical cultural, political, and religious piece in our day and age. That of the recent abortion ruling this past summer by the Supreme Court. Our fine professors will kick off a 4-part series on The Gospel for a Post-Roe Society , beginning with some background to Roe v. Wade and the Christian response to it.

In today’s episode, Rev. Paul Ipema of Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary elaborates on what he means by “Reclaiming the Cure of Souls in an Age of Pastoral Confusion” and how that relates to not only preaching but to spiritual guidance and direction.

In today’s episode, guest lecturer and professor of ministerial studies at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, Rev. Paul Ipema, gives us a timely word on Christian counseling and a word of advice for those studying in seminary seeking to enter the world of pastoral ministry someday.

In today’s episode, Dr. Cornelis Venema addresses some of the assaults on the doctrines of justification and sanctification: (1) Federal Vision theology as espoused by Norman Shepherd, and (2) the radical antinomian/anti-Lordship salvation views of Zane Hodges. 

In today's episode, Dr. Cornelis Venema leads us in a two-part series on justification and sanctification. This first episode deals with Reformer John Calvin's view on the relationship between those two fundamental doctrines, followed next time with Dr. Venema's addressing the topic of the dispute of these doctrines within many Reformed and Presbyterian and broadly evangelical contexts.

When we think of the faithful preaching of the Word of God as the Word of God, as the voice of Christ himself, does that mean Christ is adding chapters to the books of Scripture every Lord’s Day? Are faithful sermons adding to the canon if we rightfully call it God’s Words being preached? In today’s episode, Dr. Beach addresses these objections and more.

In today’s episode, Dr. J. Mark Beach, Professor of Ministerial and Doctrinal Studies, addresses a most peculiar question: Is hearing faithful preaching equivalent to hearing the voice of Christ himself? In other words, is it appropriate to affirm that faithful preaching is, indeed, the very word of God?

As we wrap up this segment of early Church history, Dr. Alan Strange comments on the dangerous teachings of Arius and its impact on orthodox Christianity leading up to and following the first ecumenical council: The Council of Nicaea. 

In today's episode, Dr. Strange looks at the early Church Fathers Irenaeus and Tertullian. What were some of Irenaeus' significant contributions, and what do we learn about the heretics of his day from his writings? Did he accurately describe them? Did Tertullian join the ranks of the early heretics, the Montanists? Tune in to listen as Dr. Strange answers all these questions and more. 

In today's episode, Dr. Alan Strange continues his series on the early church by examining one of the great apologists and defenders of the Christian faith, Justin Martyr, and a rather complex theologian named Origen.